Mt Augustus, karijini station stay

Join us on an exclusive small group 10 day tour around the Murchison and Pilbara. Focusing on stories of the past and staying at unique station stays, we explore the lesser known roads of these regions. 

This tour includes attending the annual Biggest BBQ at the Worlds Largest Rock. 

Mount Augustus – the world’s biggest monolith – is the backdrop for a BBQ of epic proportions. Over the evenings 3 courses you’ll be served outback beef and lamb cooked on roaring open fire pits with locally-sourced vegetables on the side.  

Our comfortable 4wd vehicles guarantee you a window seat and ample leg room (only 3 clients per car). The flexibility offered by these 4wds means that we go exploring in remote areas that you might not otherwise see.

 Small group numbers also ensure that we can undertake activities such as bird watching, nature walks and gold prospecting amongst other things. 

This trip will make memories for life.

Today we’re traveling on the blacktop again; heading North we travel through the town of Meekatharra. Passing through some large dry salt lakes, we again travel past the sites of old ghost towns. Our destination today is the modern mining town of Newman, where some of the largest mining machinery and longest iron ore trains abound.

DAY 1 PERTH TO CUE

Leaving from Perth we drive through the mid-west farming regions as we follow the Great Northern Hwy on our way to the old gold mining areas of the Murchison. The gold mining era established many towns that would spring up and die out, often only months after establishment. Some of the old buildings remain and [bl1] we get to view some of the remaining stonework, appreciating the efforts of the past.

Overnight, Motel accommodation.

Day 2 CUE TO NEWMAN 

Today we’re traveling on the blacktop again; heading North we travel through the town of Meekatharra. Passing through some large dry salt lakes, we again travel past the sites of old ghost towns. Our destination today is the modern mining town of Newman, where some of the largest mining machinery and longest iron ore trains abound.

Overnight Newman; Motel accommodation

Day 3 NEWMAN TO KARIJINI

Today we make our way to Karijini National Park. We visit the eastern side of the Park and the Visitor Centre. We take in stunning views from gorge lookouts and descend into the shady depths and green waters of Dale Gorge, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool. (Time to enjoy a refreshing swim)

Overnight Camping Karijini (limited facilities)

Day 4 KARIJINI TO CHEELA PLAINS

An early morning start sees us heading towards the western end of Karijini National Park. We take an in-depth look at the Weano and Knox gorges with the opportunity to climb down into the gorge to appreciate the stunning rock formations carved out by millions of years of erosion.

Overnight Cheela Plains Stations

Day 5 CHEELA PLAINS

We like Cheela Plains Station so much that we’re staying for another day! This is our time to explore the stunning landscape, swim in the remote gorges, take in hiking trails or just lounge around the homestead. All of this without the crowds.

Overnight Cheela Plains

Day 6 CHEELA PLAINS TO MT AUGUSTUS

Traveling the back roads through Ashburton Downs Station, heading south easterly we proceed to Mt Augustus via the abandoned homestead of Dooley Downs. Traveling through the ranges from the North East we will get a few glimpses of Mt Augustus from about 40km away as we close in on the rock it will come more into view exposing its sheer size. 

Tonight we’re staying at the Mt Augustus Caravan Park. There’s a rare treat in store for dinner tonight: Mount Augustus – the world’s biggest monolith – is the backdrop for a BBQ of epic proportions. You’ll be served outback beef and lamb cooked on roaring open fire pits with locally-sourced vegetables on the side. 

Overnight Mt Augustus (Donga style accommodation)

Day 7 MT AUGUSTUS

What can we say about this magnificent monolith (or inselberg; the jury’s still out)?: it’s better than Uluru, still climbable and we stay at the base of it. There’s petroglyphs, scenic spring walks, heritage and the opportunity for the fit to climb part way up this imposing feature. We also spend time exploring the bird life of nearby Cattle Pool and extend our day with sunset drinks, watching the colours change on the rock[bl2] .

Overnight Mt Augustus (Donga style accommodation)

Day 8 MT AUGUSTUS TO MURCHISON ROAD HOUSE

Following the little used station roads we head Southeast and check out the site of the iconic Landor Race Course, before following the course of the Gascoyne river. Travelling the iconic Wool Wagon Way, we make our way through some very remote country side to the little oasis that is the Murchison Roadhouse

Overnight Camping; Murchison Oasis

Day 9 MURCHISON ROAD HOUSE TO MELLENBYE STATION

With a bright early start we continue our trip south heading to our overnight stay at Mellenbye Station. This historic station was one of two established in the 1870s and ran sheep through the Yalgoo area. The station buildings have been restored and the homestead hospitality goes above and beyond. We’ll have a drink around the fire, enjoy our last tour dinner and watch the stars.

Overnight Shearers Quarters

Day 10 MELLENBYE STATION TO PERTH

Our last day and heading to Perth. On our way home we search for wildflowers, including the famous wreath flower. 

Making our way past the current mining areas, we travel on through the northern Wheatbelt and end up in Perth, with memories of a lifetime and new friends made.